Author/Authors :
Yamashita, Koya Department of Emergency - Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine - Okayama University Graduate School ofMedicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan , Hongo, Takashi Department of Emergency - Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine - Okayama University Graduate School ofMedicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan , Nojima, Tsuyoshi Department of Emergency - Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine - Okayama University Graduate School ofMedicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan , Yumoto, Tetsuya Department of Emergency - Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine - Okayama University Graduate School ofMedicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan , Nakao, Atsunori Department of Emergency - Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine - Okayama University Graduate School ofMedicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan , Naito, Hiromichi Department of Emergency - Critical Care, and Disaster Medicine - Okayama University Graduate School ofMedicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
Abstract :
Hamman’s syndrome is an uncommon clinical entity characterized by an idiopathic spontaneous pneumomediastinumas
a result of a sudden increase in intra-alveolar pressure. It can be triggered by repeated vomiting or
Kussmaul breathing associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Careful attention to this particular condition
is needed to avoid under-diagnosis and to provide optimal management. Herein, we report a case of an 18-yearold
man complaining of chest discomfort and progressive weight loss, ultimately diagnosed with Hamman’s
syndrome secondary to DKA. The patient’s symptoms disappeared after intravenous fluid and insulin administration,
while his pneumomediastinum resolved following conservative treatment. Our report highlights the
importance of recognition of the links between pneumomediastinum as a cause of chest pain in patients with
DKA.
